JOIN US AT THE GATEWAY MEDIA ARTS LAB AND SEE THE WORK OF FASHION DESIGNER MAYA JOHNSON THE TOUR FEATURES THE WORK OF OVER 250 ARTISTS ALONG THE RT 1 CORRIDOR THE GATEWAY ARTS DISTRICT IS HOME TO TALENTED ARTISTS IN A MULTITUDE OF DISCIPLINES.
THE LAB MAGAZINE/ SPRING 2025
The Lab is a professional home for creatives from around the DMV and beyond. The magazine was created to tell their stories, and shine a light on our community and collective impact. For more information, visit GatewayCDC org
GATEWAY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION PUBLISHER
MICHELLE DARDEN-LEE INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
MICHELLE DARDEN-LEE
AYOKA BLANDFORD WRITER/COPY EDITOR
The Gateway Arts District was established in 2001 to recognize arts and entertainment as core to the community's identity and economic vitality in the two-mile Route 1 Corridor. The walkable corridor consists of vibrant eateries, theaters, studios, shops, nonprofits and entertainment. With access to public transportation and bike share programs, the Gateway Arts District has something to offer local residents and regional visitors.
Founded in 1997, Gateway Community Development Corporation (CDC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission to drive economic revitalization along the U.S. Route 1 Corridor through business and neighborhood development initiatives including promotion of the arts as a community building strategy. The CDC works within the communities of Brentwood, North Brentwood, and Mount Rainier, MD and in collaboration with multiple partners to ensure the success of the entire Gateway Arts District.
The Gateway Media Arts Lab is a creative industries incubator located in Mount Rainier, MD. With a focus on culture, community and the greater good, the Lab helps media arts professionals and other creative entrepreneurs expand their businesses and refine their artistic visions. The Lab has over 70 members. Their products and services facilitate transformation through storytelling, culture, art and design. The program is a lead project of Gateway CDC.
Dear Gateway Community,
Recently, I took the helm of the Gateway CDC as its new Board President, after having served as the organization’s Vice President for the past few years As a Prince George’s County resident, I am especially excited and looking forward to working collaboratively with the diverse stakeholders who represent our amazing communities. From our residents, artists and businesses to our elected officials and funders, together, we are advancing Gateway CDC’s mission of economic development through the arts.
As many communities across the country, the towns of North Brentwood, and Brentwood, and the City of Mount Rainier have experienced changes that can be challenging while expanding economic development opportunities. Change can be hard and also incredibly transformative. We have several projects on the horizon that will continue to elevate our Arts District and strengthen our work This includes a new management structure for the Prince George’s County Arts District, a Brentwood Public Art Project, and new grant awards to support artists living, working and growing in the Arts District. I want to thank the elected officials from our communities for their ongoing support of our work. We cannot do this without our municipalities, and their contributions are very much appreciated. I also want to thank our County officials, partners and funders who help us access critical funding to create mission-impact.
Gateway CDC is well-poised for continued success. It will require a collective approach to realizing our vision of the arts serving as an economic driver, and I am enthusiastic about all that we will achieve together!
With gratitude, Robert Clark
Margaret Boozer lives and works in the Gateway Arts District. She is the Founder and Director of Red Dirt Studio, an arts incubator in Mount Rainier, Maryland, and Co-Director/ founding member of NY Urban Soils Institute’s Art Extension. In both capacities, Boozer appreciates the opportunities to collaborate and support new work and ideas.
She is the Founder and Director of Red Dirt Studio, an arts incubator in Mount Rainier, MD, and Co-Director/ founding member of NY Urban Soils Institute’s Art Extension. In both capacities, Boozer appreciates the opportunities to collaborate and support new work and ideas.
Her work is included in the collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the U.S. Department of State, the Wilson Building Public Art collection and in many private collections. Publications include a chapter for Soil and Culture, an interview in Field to Palette: Dialogues on Soil and Art in the Anthropocene, and contributions to Wild Clay: Creating ceramics and glazes from natural and found resources. Recent work includes a large-scale mapping/earth work for MGM National Harbor in Maryland using clay and artifacts dug from the site. Exhibitions include Swept Away: Dust, Ashes and Dirt at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York, and Unsettling Extractions at The Visual Arts Center of Richmond.
Boozer received a BFA in sculpture from Auburn University and an MFA in ceramics from New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University.
Quianna Taylor serves as the Deputy City Clerk with the City of Hyattsville. In this role, she provides a wide range of legislative support to the Mayor and Council, as well as members of the community.
Taylor began working in the Town of Brentwood in April 2011 and went on to hold many titles in her near decade-long career there including police clerk, town clerk, grant assistant, and executive assistant to the Chief of Police.
While working for the Town of Brentwood, Taylor created and facilitated many activities that have become Brentwood staples, such as Christmas with Santa Holiday Event & Toy Giveaway, Halloween with BPD, Coffee with the Chief, and the Quarterly Senior Meet & Greets.
During the pandemic and while still employed as a municipal government employee she ran for Town Council in the Town of Brentwood. She was elected to her first two-year term in May 2021 and began her second term in May 2023. She currently serves as the Vice-Mayor. She has also served as Secretary and Vice President of the Prince George’s County Municipal Association, a multi-municipality association that represents the nearly one million residents of incorporated municipalities in Prince George’s County.
Born and raised in Washington, DC, Taylor attended Montgomery College and the University of the District of Columbia.
TheGatewayMediaArtsLabandIndaboothCollectivehostedaBlackHistoryMontheventonFebruary20 focusedontheimportanceofBlackart,artistsandtheircommunityimpact.
Theeventkicked-offtheCLSDDoorsSerieswithapaneldiscussion,including(picturedl-r):moderatorGiaHarewood, GinaMarieLewis,JayF.Coleman,andMimiMachado-Luces.Theroomsetthemoodforaninformativeandmoving eveninganddiscussion,withapowerfulexhibithonoringartleadersincludingAlonzoDavis,DavidDriskellandMarie “Sis”Walls.Thepaneldiscussionstartedwithquestionsfromourmoderator,GiaHarewood,relatedtotheseexhibited artistsandtheirimpactontheartlivesofourpanelists.Thiseventwasmadepossibleinpartthroughfundingfromthe Maryland-NationalCapitalParkandPlanningCommission,DepartmentofParksandRecreation,PrinceGeorge's County,andtheCityofMountRainier
“Alonzo Davis was an inspiring artist who creates the kind of work you dream about,” - Gina Marie Lewis
Who are these art leaders to you, and how have they impacted your art life?
Gina Marie Lewis said, “Alonzo Davis was an inspiring artist who creates the kind of work you dream about, and Dr. Driskell was the quintessential teacher.” She told the audience about the first time she heard David Driskell speak in Dupont Circle. He was asked at that event, “What advice would you give to young artists?” Gina said, “It was really simple what he saidshow up. Anyone who knows Gina Marie Lewis is because I showed up.” She also told of the time she was at a Corcoran exhibition, where Driskell had one of his pieces displayed. She asked him, “How do you know what your art is going to be?” He said, “You just start and create and keep going until you know it’s finished.”
Jay F. Coleman mentioned that one thing he gleaned from these artists is to create an absence of fear. He said, “Fear hovers over the artist - to know when you’re finished with your artwork or if anybody is going to like it.” He shared the time he successfully created a mural in Baltimore within a within a week for the Ellen DeGeneres Show and how daunting this was. “The win was overcoming the fear. That experience taught me to sign myself up for what I’m most afraid of. Now, I have no fear,” Coleman said.
Mimi Machado-Luces said, when thinking about Marie “Sis” Walls - the thought of the tavern and the sounds of the music make you think about films, like Lackawanna Blues or A Great Night in Harlem. “The tavern was a living breathing place where musicians didn’t have to deal with Jim Crow and they could just be themselves. Art comes out of all of these experiences.”
What would you tell your younger artist self?
“I don’t know if there is anything I would do differently,” said Coleman. “In order to be where I am now, I couldn’t tell my younger self anything. He would have to go through those experiences to get to where he is now ”
“You are worthy That’s it,” said Machado-Luces “You know your ideas aren’t bad, you’re not stupid. It’s not frivolous.”
What is the one thing you want people to understand this evening?
Lewis: “Create the world that you want to live in.”
Coleman: “Make sure you’re using sound power to affect your world, practice, family and health. When you monetize your art, it is work. You can lose your passion if you don’t realize it’s work.”
Machado-Luces: “Live your story, stay true to your story, and know it’s worth telling your story As long as you can tell your story, you’ll be empowered by it.”
“The win was overcoming the fear That experience taught me to sign myself up for what I’m most afraid of. Now, I have no fear.”Jay F. Coleman
“As long as you can tell your story, you’ll be empowered by it “ - Mimi Machado-Luces
The Gateway Farmer’s Market blossomed last year, becoming a great place to not only shop for fresh produce, but also to celebrate the rich diversity of the Gateway Arts District - the people, culture, art, and businesses. Beyond the produce stands, it served as a connecting place for neighbors, a kids play world, an arts incubator, and a space for community services
“The success of the market wouldn't have been possible without the unwavering support of the elected officials from Mount Rainier and Brentwood, Gateway CDC and the Route 1 Corridor businesses. We are so grateful to the farmers who traveled from across the region to bring us their produce and products for the community residents to purchase,” says Megan Abbot, market co-founder.
“I want to give a special thanks to all of the businesses and artists that supported the Farmer’s Market and Harvest Fest. Thank you to the Gateway Media Arts Lab’s team, Tia Kane, Nichola London, and Samuel Achirem, Jr. for their media services and documenting the event!” - Michelle Dardenn Lee, Gateway CDC Executive Director
The idea for the Gateway Farmers’ Market formed organically. Husband and wife team Gary Hall and Megan Abbot wanted something fun to do with their children on Saturday mornings They wanted to reconnect with and activate the community that was lost during the pandemic. And, of course, they wanted to bring fresh produce to their neighborhood. But where to start?
Abbot, a civil rights lawyer and mother, sought to support a farmers’ market, the pet project of her husband whose unique skills and experiences made him the perfect lead. Hall, who works in ecological restoration, used to work for a nonprofit that ran multiple farmers’ markets and also worked for a farm-to-table café; he already had connections to farmers. The couple met at the U Street hot spot Chi-Cha Lounge, as bartenders, so both knew about creating a fun and welcoming space for a diverse clientele.
As a family, they would cross the parking lot of the Bunker Hill Fire Station on walks and Hall imagined a market in the space. After partnering with Gateway CDC that helped to establish neighborhood partnerships and build local connections, they collaborated with the Town Council of Brentwood and City Council of Mount Rainier. And so it began.
They wanted to rebuild a sense of community and saw an opportunity - create a space to offer familyfriendly fun, provide a safe and welcoming event as well as fresh food in open and green spaces
“It’s important for people to know where their food comes from and to support local,” explained Megan Abbot, co-founder “Neighbors get the opportunity to talk to the people who grow the food they buy, learn about growing practices and even ask for food prep ideas.”
ket opened at 3716 Rhode Island Avenue. Every Saturday from 9am - 1pm, it featured farmers, food and beverage vendors as well as makers. Participating farmers drive from as far as Pennsylvania, Virginia and Maryland which offers a variety of produce from different climates meaning strawberries earlier and tomatoes longer.
The market also includes small businesses and entrepreneurs some of whom are home-based and others are brick and mortar representing food, art and wellness. There is also free vending space for community organizations such as PTOs and nonprofits.
The market is brunch and lunch-centric featuring items to round out your entire shopping list As the event has grown, so has the diversity of food options: Greek, Mexican, Ghanaian, Central American and Hawaiian-inspired. Vendors can only sell what they either make or grow and are selected to provide a well-rounded experience.
Current offerings are dairy, meats, produce, juice, coffee, bread and baked goods. Additionally, Abbot adds that they want the market to grow at a sustainable rate, so that it makes financial sense for existing vendors.
Activities to support neighbors and build community are an integral part of the Gateway Farmers’ Market. A Halloween costume contest, “Fill the Boot” for the local fire station, donation of Thanksgiving boxes for seniors and a clothing swap have been organized in this inaugural season In addition, through a partnership with Maryland Market Money, the Market is part of the Seniors’ Farmers Market Nutrition Program of the USDA. The program provides low-income seniors with access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey and herbs from farmers' markets, roadside stands, and community supported agricultural programs. This partnership allows the Market to match up to $30 of an enrolled individual’s funds, to receive double the amount for spending. SNAP/EBT and WIC benefits are also accepted.
Gateway CDC had an opportunity to chat with Megan about the economic development impact of the Farmer’s Market.
What we’re striving to bring to the region is multilayered. We hope the Farmer’s Market is a place for experimentation and growth for regional vendors to sell. This includes micro-businesses, local small businesses, women-owned businessesgiving them a place to also connect with one another and the community.
We are eager to help Farmers make money and connect to communities that want organic and fresh food. Our relationship with the farmers is fundamental, as they bring their labor and produce and make a huge sacrifice to come to the Farmer’s Market
We want to expand food access to residents. We are excited to have received Maryland Markey Money to provide a match up to $10 for SNAP and WIC (We used to offer $30 matching funds, but due to federal funding cuts, we can only offer the $10 match.
We want to create a place for everyone in the community, from children to our seniors, to be able to gather, have conversation and connection, share their dreams and challenges. We are also excited for the partnerships we have and will grow with arts-based organizations and other entities.
MichelleLee,Gateway’sExecutiveDirectoralong sideKatyandErinattheHolidayExtravaganza.
Mignotae Kebede has begun working on her next film based on a collection of essays by Dr. Yanique Redwood. The film take an intimate look at Dr. Redwood’s struggle for racial justice through a personal reckoning with racism, healing, and liberation. A small group visited the Lab and got a peek at what’s to come.
Material Things is a project of Katie Aldworth, Francisco Rosario and Erin Lingle. Located in North Brentwood, works with clay, wood, and metal. All products are handmade by Katie and Francisco. Katie uses clay from Starworks Clay in NC, who are committed to bringing their clients the beautiful clay of NC unadulterated as possible. Francisco works with naturally-felled local wood and scrap metal from utilitarian projects. We are obsessed with our materials and with thing making.
Thanks to so many people, the Gateway Farmer’s Market was a success. Husband and wife, Gary Hall and Megan Abbott, planted an idea and worked community leaders to bring fresh produce to our diverse communities. Kudos to Council Member Wannika Fisher who supported the project and joined the team at Harvest Fest.
The Festival team visitedWPGC, publicizing the market throughout the DMV
